You’ve heard all about the Solar Impulse 2, a solar-powered airplane that will go around the world without a drop of fuel. Here's the team behind it

In a highly sterilised, completely air-conditioned hangar located next to Ahmedabad’s airport, a crowd of 10,000 people are waiting eagerly. Their aim? To catch a glimpse of this first-of-its-kind aircraft — the Swiss-made, long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft called the Solar Impulse — that touched down in Narendra Modi’s home state while on a world tour.

Completely bewildered by its 72 meter (236 feet) wingspan, I’m quickly reminded by the team that it only holds the weight of a mid-sized car, thanks to the carbon fibre body composites amongst other light-weight materials that have been used in the construction.

“We are here not to break records, but to achieve a goal,” says Andre Borschberg, CEO of Solar Impulse and co-pilot on this global mission. “To design what we envisioned — what we now know is possible — to create a new sustainable world for generations to come.”

It’s a prestige project if there ever was one, and Bruno Yvon, managing director of Moët Hennessy, which has associated itself with the Solar Impulse, won’t deny it. “We’re in the business of producing the finest of sparkling wines and we want to show farmers and clients in India and around the world our commitment to clean the environment, save energy, create new jobs that support this new technology and innovate new ways to sustain renewable energy. This is a noble cause.”

Among the many challenges faced by the Solar Impulse team, the biggest hurdle for Borschberg and co-pilot Bertrand Piccard is the turbulence they’re likely to encounter over the Pacific and trans-Atlantic leg of their flight. But his approach remains light-hearted, even when discussing a possible mid-air disintegration. “I have a parachute with me for the worst scenario, so why waste a moment.” he chuckles.

When asked how they cope with the long, gruelling flights through storms, air pockets and turbulence, without getting more than 20 minutes of sleep at a stretch (they even wear specially designed goggles that wake them up if their nap goes on for too long), Piccard casts an eye towards his special edition Omega and replies, “When on ground, I’m constantly surrounded by people — at events, dinners, meetings… It’s complete chaos. Up in the air, there’s only me in my cockpit, my state of mind, and my will to achieve our mission. It’s a lot more peaceful up there!”